Arthur R. “Al” Albanesi, Lieutenant Colonel
Arthur Albanesi passed peacefully on February 4, 2017 while under hospice care at home. Arthur was always cheerful with a smile on his face; he had a great sense of humor, always with a great story to tell.
Arthur was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1928 to Molly and Thomas Albanesi. Arthur went into the military service in 1945 and was medically retired from the United States Army in 1972. His assignments took him around the world including combat service in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was an infantryman and pioneered the long-range reconnaissance patrols for the United States Army. He was a graduate of the Army War College and was awarded numerous medals and decorations for his service.
He married his wife Mary, an Army nurse and also a retired Lieutenant Colonel. They settled in Colorado Springs in 1976.
After his retirement from the United States Army, he returned to school at the University of Southern Colorado to obtain his teaching certificate in Industrial Arts. He became a skilled craftsman turning out many fine pieces for use in the home and office. In his leisure time, he loved the game of golf and was a great fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates.
Arthur was a long time parishioner at St. Paul Catholic Church and volunteered for many of the church functions and ministries. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus from assembly 0096 and was a member of council 11634. Arthur volunteered his time to many organizations, including Namaste Alzheimer Center for over 25 years, prison ministry and as the founding Cub Master of Pack 75.
His mother, father, brother Vince and sister Rita preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife: Mary, his son: Arturo, his daughter-in-law: Heather, his grandchildren: Catherine, Mollie, and Robert, his brothers: Thomas and Robert and many nieces and nephews.
The Albanesi family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all our family, friends and the staff at Pikes Peak Hospice for the support and care they showed Arthur during the last months of his life.
A visitation will be held from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2017 with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. all at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Road. A funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017 at St. Paul Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at the Shrine of Remembrance Gate of Heaven Mausoleum with military honors, and a celebration of Arthur’s life and reception will follow back at the church.